Blackrock is a living, thriving institution. Consequently, hand in hand with our willingness to learn and benefit from the past is a quest to embrace change and to move forward. The modern world is not a static one. We recognise that our response must be simultaneously proactive and reactive in order to provide the boys with the skills, knowledge, values and adaptability they will need to take their place in society.

We measure the success of Blackrock by the contribution we make to the development in each student of a sharp sense of justice, a desire for a more caring and compassionate society, independence of mind, honesty in communication and respect for the dignity of all.

The boarding school, located in Williamstown Castle, is home to one hundred boys from all year groups. Boarders are, and always have been, unique members of the Blackrock community. Their experience of the school is, by its nature, a very comprehensive one. Traditionally, the bond between boarders and Blackrock has been particularly strong.

During the school year 2009/2010 the school Principal, explored the option of offering a programme of Chinese Studies to students in Blackrock College.

Mr MacGinty met with Dr Liming Wang seeking support and guidance on how best to introduce a Chinese studies programme into the school.